Insider’s guide to the 9 best bars in South Delhi

The worthiest watering holes in South Delhi's Greater Kailash, Nehru Place and South Extension

While our first list of South Delhi bars had everything from swanky cocktail bars to after-party staples, our continuing hunt in this area has produced great result too – from high-above-the-ground spots to utterly Instagrammable ones. If you’re out for a night on the town and can’t figure out where to head to — most likely because you’ve exhausted our recommendations for the best bars in Chanakyapuri, Lodhi, Defence Colony, Sundernagar and Ansal Plaza — don’t fret. We’ve picked out nine more of the best South Delhi watering holes (in no particular order). This time, however, we’re taking you on a gastronomical journey through the neighbourhoods of Greater Kailash, Nehru Place, and South Ex.

Check these out for a quaffing experience you would want to be back for.

1. PDA

From the folks behind PCO and ATM – two of our other favourite bars in New Delhi – PDA is a laid-back cocktail bar that’s just the right mix of fancy and footloose. A cozy, comfy space that’s intimate enough to get a solo drink without feeling out of place. G+T lovers have a whole list to choose from in addition to an elaborately designed cocktail menu.

Address: M Block Market, Greater Kailash II (011 41637858)

2. Sidecar

We’ve hoped for long that G-town’s Cocktails & Dreams Speakeasy would spill over to Delhi to cut down the carbon miles on our Clover Clubs. Now, the team behind the friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar is setting up Sidecar, an artisanal cocktail bar for those who really care for their potions. Expect home-made tinctures, bitters and grog, all stirred together with their signature warmth. This one only opens in September and usually, we’d be a bit wary about putting an unopened place on an all-star list. But this one’s pedigree is so fine that we’d be doing a grave injustice if we skipped it.

Address: M Block Market, Greater Kailash II

3. Piso16

Located on the 16th floor, this recent spot offers an arresting view of South Delhi’s cityscape. Piso16 is best known for its curious cocktails, with a bar team that knows what it’s doing. Decked out in velvet, leather and wood, this one’s an ideal place to round up the gang for a slightly dressy but chill night on the town.

4. Fig & Maple

The city’s favourite stand-alone (and superbly Instagrammable) brunch spot has a newly evolved cocktail list – one that’s seasonal with a smattering of classics. There’s a bunch of intriguingly infused concoctions, like the KGB (Kale-infused vodka, bubbly, cucumber and peppercorn). If you’re wondering, that’d count as detox in our books.

Address: M Block Market, Greater Kailash II (09971174576)

5. Artusi

Although Artusi is far more restaurant than bar, the ‘waiting area’ with its art-deco bar doubles up as a cute little aperitivo spot. There’s a fair range of Italian wines on the list. Start with Prosecco, then head to an Aperol Spritz and finally, Negronis to see you through the night – the quintessential Italian trifecta.

Address: M Block Market, Greater Kailash II (08800209695)

6. The Bar Cat

If you have a proclivity for live jazz, art deco and Prohibition cocktails, The Bar Cat will be your happy place. Café by day, live performance area-cum-bar by night – this quiet spot lines up some interesting acts to go with the tipple. Poetry slams, amateur stand-up, even theatre, make appearances in addition to a roster of bands.

Address: E17, Third Floor, Block E, South Extension II (08130563686)

7. Shibuya

Our money is on sake to be the next big drinking trend for the year to come but it is still slim pickings when it comes to outlets where you can enjoy a carafe without having to sell an organ. Shibuya, a Pan-Asian eatery in GK, houses a fair collection of sake at their bar in addition to an Asian-inspired cocktail list.

Address: M-63, Greater Kailash Part II (011 40366262)

8. Fio Cookhouse & Bar

Weekends are party nights at this hotspot and you’re lucky if you have elbow room on a gig night. But even on an easy weekday, it’s an airy, spacious eatery to kick back at with a drink. When the summer lets up, the al fresco seating comes a-calling.

Address: Epicuria Mall, Nehru Place (09971004536)

9. Social, Nehru Place

This peppy space has a fun, no-fuss vibe, fuelled by easy drinks and bites. The exposed brick, warehouse-style bar doubles up as a co-working space in the day. High energy, and sometimes noisy but always the on the right side of hip, Social is the place to be when you just feel like a beer or two.